Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs's Note to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow sent a note, dated 7 August 2026, to Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as follows:

“I wish to refer to the End of Mission Statement issued by Mr. Tom Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia dated 31 July 2026, following his official visit to Cambodia from 20 to 31 July 2026, and to convey the following: 

“1. Thailand is aware that the Special Rapporteur's End of Mission Statement is a part of the Special Procedures' working methods. However, we are deeply disappointed about the credibility and accountability of the report, which made many allegations against Thailand, even though it should have focused on the situation of human rights in Cambodia.

“We consider that this goes beyond the mandate entrusted by the Human Rights Council. We also regret that the Special Rapporteur did not provide ample opportunity and time for Thailand to present the facts and provide perspectives prior to publishing the statement and organising the press conference, which contained much distorted information without thorough verification. 

“It is also against the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, which stipulates that the mandate-holders shall exercise their functions in accordance with their mandate, through ethical behaviour, professional conduct, constructive dialogue and impartial assessment of facts based on internationally recognised human rights standards.

“In fact, Thailand has consistently provided relevant facts available to OHCHR through established channels, including correspondence with your Office, statements before the Human Rights Council, and its response to the joint communication in June 2026. 

“By failing to comprehensively take into account facts and perspectives from all relevant stakeholders, the report has departed from the principles of neutrality, impartiality and objectivity as well as the mandate of the Special Procedures. It is even more concerning that the report has been senstionalised for political gains by the party involved. 

“2. As you may recall in our meetings in Geneva, I have expressed that the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, and its consequences, was not initiated by Thailand. Rather, it began with Cambodia's unprovoked and indiscriminate attacks against civilian targets and hospitals in Thailand on 24 July 2025. These attacks resulted in tragic loss of life and injuries among Thai civilians. They have also forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to evacuate their homes.

“These issues were not reflected in the statement, which instead provides many distorted facts and figures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has already issued a statement on this matter, which is enclosed herewith for your information. 

“3. Since the beginning of the Thailand - Cambodia conflict, Thailand has consistently cooperated with the Special Procedures and mandate holders of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). We expect that this gesture would be reciprocated by the Special Procedures. 

“Regrettably, the working methods of this Special Procedure leave much to be desired in terms of professionalism and impartiality, failing to take due account of the relevant facts and perspectives of all concerned parties in a comprehensive and balanced manner prior to making public statements. Such actions do not accord due respect to Thailand as the country concerned and risk allowing the mandate to be exploited for political purposes.

“As a member of the Human Rights Council, Thailand remains committed to extending our cooperation with your Office and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.”

Source: PR Thai Government